29 September 2026
Open a Liaison Office in France
Find here how to set up a liaison office in France. For assistance, please contact our company registration agents in France.
Are you interested in setting up a liaison office in France and need guidance? Feel free to explore this information and also access our online services for support and personalized offers from our French agents.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| The purpose of a liaison office in France | – for promoting the activities of a foreign company in France, – great for getting in touch with potential local partners and collaborators |
How is the liaison office also known in France? | Representative office |
How can a representative office be registered in France? | By presenting the documents of the foreign company in question: – Articles of Association, – Certificate of Incorporation. Other standard forms can be solicited. |
| Can a liaison office in France have commercial activities? (YES/NO) | NO |
| Contracting potential clients and partners (YES/NO) | YES |
| Local agent required (YES/NO) | YES |
| Attributes of a liaison officer | – developing market research, – carrying out business advertising, – contracting local customers, – communicating with the company from abroad |
| Bank account for a liaison office in France | Required for the expenses of the liaison office in France |
| Allowed to invoice local customers | Not available |
| Registration conditions for liaison office in France | Not required with the French Trade Register |
| The costs of opening a representative office in France | Supported by the foreign company represented in France |
| Travel requirements | Not mandatory, but recommended |
| Company identification number for a liaison office in France | SIRET and SIREN numbers |
| Time frame for opening a liaison office in France | A few days or months, depending on the formalities |
| Why choose our company formation agents in France? | We can provide: – assistance in preparing the documents for opening a liaison office in France, – support with the registration authorities, – complete services at affordable prices. |
How is a liaison office known in France?
- Representative office,
- RO.
Who can set up a representative office in France?
Owners of international entities interested in testing the French market.
What are the key features & activities of a liaison office in France?
- a liaison office in France cannot carry out commercial activities,
- it is only permitted to develop marketing and advertising projects through an RO in France,
- a liaison office in France shares the same name as the foreign company,
- can have local & local staff,
- shares the same assets as the parent company, etc.
Below is an infographic on this subject:
Can an RO in France issue invoices?
No.
Can a French liaison office develop business partnerships?
Yes.
Is marketing research permitted through a liaison office in France?
Yes.
Is a representative office/agent needed for a liaison office in France?
Yes, it is mandatory. He or she will be in charge of the daily activities and various administrative tasks.
Is tax registration imposed on French liaison offices?
No.
We also invite you to watch our video presentation about liaison companies in France:
Do I need to register employees to Social Security in France?
Yes, all company staff must be registered with the French Social Security.
Who supports the incorporation costs of a liaison office in France?
The foreign company.
Where is a liaison office in France registered?
At the Guichet Unique.
Does a liaison office in France have a company ID?
Yes, a representative office in France will have two IDs:
- SIREN – the company ID,
- SIRET – the establishment ID.
Is the liaison office subject to any share capital requirements?
No, there are no share capital requirements for the opening of a liaison office.
Can I detach employees from the parent company to the liaison office in France?
Yes, the employees of the parent company can be sent to the liaison office.
Is it hard to register a liaison office in France?
No, it is not. As a matter of fact, the registration of a liaison office in France can be completed in a few days.
If you are looking for extra services for your firm, our accountants in France can help you with the registration for the payment of taxes in the company and can offer you payroll, bookkeeping, audits, preparation, and submission of annual financial statements, among others. For assistance in opening a representative office, do not hesitate to contact our company registration agents in France.